Journal article
The rates with which individuals fail versus achieve physical activity goals: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Health psychology review, Vol.First Online, pp.1-25
03/09/2026
PMID: 42689845
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
Metrics
1 Record Views
Abstract
In this review, we aimed to investigate the rates with which individuals fail versus achieve their goals in physical activity programmes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 89 randomised controlled trials (N = 10,219 individuals) identified via a search of APA PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus until 5th September 2024. We conducted primary analysis with data from 30 studies with low risk of bias (N = 4,204 individuals), and complementary sensitivity analyses with the remaining studies judged to have some concerns and high risk of bias. Primary analyses found that the majority of participants failed to achieve their goals at each timepoint (range = 57.9%-77.0%), and that rates of achievement declined over time. Sensitivity analyses supported these findings, with the exception that achievement rates during interventions were significantly higher (p < .01) in studies with some concerns and high risk of bias. In studies with low risk of bias, achievement was higher among individuals with cardiac health issues and Type 2 diabetes, and lower when goals were prescribed (rather than self-set or collaboratively-set). These findings highlight the need for programmes to incorporate strategies for maximising achievement and minimising failure to support adoption and maintenance of physical activity.
Details
- Title
- The rates with which individuals fail versus achieve physical activity goals: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
- Creators
- Christian Swann - Southern Cross UniversityAmanda L Rebar - University of South CarolinaMark R Beauchamp - University of British ColumbiaScott G Goddard - Southern Cross UniversityRebecca M Hawkins - University of LincolnOllie Williamson - Southern Cross UniversityMatthew J Schweickle - University of WollongongJack Sargeant - Southern Cross UniversityGrace Redden - Southern Cross UniversityUzma Choudhry - Nutrition Sciences (Belgium)Joseph Greer - Southern Cross UniversityDavide Gargioli - Southern Cross UniversityMatthew D Bird - University of LincolnMelanie M Clarke - Southern Cross UniversityNaomi Higgins - University of South CarolinaSimon Rosenbaum - University of New South Wales (Australia, Sydney)Stewart A Vella - University of WollongongPatricia C Jackman - University of Lincoln
- Publication Details
- Health psychology review, Vol.First Online, pp.1-25
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Grant note
- National Health and Medical Research Council: APP 2017506
SR is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council Emerging Leadership Fellowship [APP 2017506].
- Identifiers
- 991013398052002368
- Copyright
- © 2026 The Author(s).
- Academic Unit
- Psychology and Social Health; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article